Boris in blitz on City Hall junkets to raise money for fight against crime
London Mayor Boris Johnson is planning a crackdown on junkets by staff at City Hall in order to raise more money for his fight against crime.
He is to slash the number of officials attending the Beijing Olympics – and plans to scrap the mayor's exhibition stands at political party conferences in the autumn.
Ex-mayor Ken Livingstone came under fire for spending vast sums on overseas trips, including visits to countries such as Venezuela, where he had close links with Left-wing President Hugo Chavez.
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Crackdown: London Mayor Boris Johnson plans to cut junkets in effort to raise funds for crime fight
Mr Livingstone was often accompanied by a huge entourage of officials.
Mr Johnson intends to draw up strict rules for staff who apply to go on overseas trips.
Those hoping to go to Beijing will have to prove that their trip is essential to gain vital experience for the 2012 Games in London or has a commercial value.
A source said: "The mayor does not believe it is right for staff to jet round the world staying in smart hotels with all expenses paid by the people of London unless they are providing a valuable service to the city."
Scrapping the mayor's stands at the Tory, Labour and Liberal Democrat conferences is expected to save £80,000.
